Lucknow Travel Guide

Lucknow Overview

Lucknow, the city of Nawaabs is also featuring as the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The city of royal people is famous for its hospitality, mannerism and unique salutation style. The city’s culture and traditions are rich and are well-known around the world. Delhi is second to that; the city is the 7th largest city of India.
The beauty and charm is so fascinating that not only travellers but also Bollywood remained gets mesmerized by it beauty and charm. Movies like Umraao Jaan, Shatranj Ke Khiladi are some of the master piece of the Hindi cinema that showcases the city’s glorious history and culture. Every filmed made on the background of Lucknow left as a milestone on Indian Cinema.

History of Lucknow

The capital of Uttar Pradesh historically is an important city for many centuries. The city was his throne of Nawabs of Awadh in 18th century. The history of this city is however much older than this. It is believed that Laxman, younger brother of Lord Rama founded this city. He named this city after himself Lakhanpur. Gradually the city came to it form in 18th century and ruled by various kingdoms Delhi sultanate, Mughal Empire, the Nawaabs of Awadh, the East India Company and The British. After British took over the city from Nawaabs in 1856, they exiled the last Nawab Wajid Ali Shah to Kolkata. The city played the vital role in the first revolt of Independence in 1857. After India gained independence in 1947, the city of Lucknow declared as the capital of the state Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow went through many good and bad phases. Each uprising and downfall left this city in a ruined state of memory.

Culture – Traditions and Cuisine of Lucknow

The city is famous for Adab and Tehzeeb (Manners and Hospitality). Culturally rich this city is the soul of art, culture, food, dance and music of Northern India. People from different religions lives together in peace and harmony. Lucknow is the mirror through which you can live the old charm of nawabas. The city has nicely maintains its rich cultural heritage as beautifully as Lucknow.
The literature of the city is quite rich and world famous. Some legendry poems were penned here. Famous poets such as Mir Anees and Mirza Dabeer were related to this city. Lucknow is the home of Urdu language. The Mushaira (poetry event) is a part of the night life of Lucknow. The city is being charmed by art and music for centuries. The very famous dance form Kathak was born in this city. Pt. Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit are some of the famous personalities who are known for their love of this dance form Kathak. The musical instruments like Tabla and Sitar were heard for the first time in the courts and streets of Lucknow.

The Spoken language of Lucknow is majorly Urdu. People are soft spoken and big hearted. Their warm gesture of ‘Pehle Aap’ shows the charming and heartwarming gesture from their predecessors The Nawaabs. Mehmaan Navaazi (welcoming guests) is strictly followed by the people of Lucknow.

Cuisine of Lucknow

The place of Manners and Hospitality, Lucknow has unique taste when it comes to food. The impression of Mughalai, Nawaabi and British food can easily be seen in the food culture of Lucknow. The Avadhi cuisine of Nawaabi ear was filled with Saffron, raisins, cashews, almonds and dollop of thick cream.
You must try kebabs and its different varieties such as Shami Kebab, Reshmi kebab, seekh kebab and seekh kebab. All these dishes are filled with cardamom, garlic, peppercorns, onions and etc. You should also try Biryani which is accompanied by Mutton cury, korma, chicken curry, haleem and Dal gosht. You can pamper your sweet tooth with kheer, sheer brunj and firni. Festivals create the aroma of sewaiyyan, halwam haleem and korma in the kitchen of Lucknow.

Lucknow Map

Best Places to Visit Lucknow

Culturally rich the city of Lucknow has many tourists attract which attract the travellers from all around the world. Here are the best places to visit in Lucknow –

Bada Imambara:

The place was built by Nawab Asaf ud Daula in 1784 AD. The place is also known as Asafi Imambara. In year 1784 when the city was facing famine, Nawab built this place to generate employment for the people. The Imambara also has a Mosque in it.

Rumi Darwaza:

It is also called the gateway to Lucknow. The Rumi Darwaaza was built by Asaf Ud Dowlah, the Navaab of Lucknow in 1784 AD. This is one of the finest examples of Awadhi architecture.

Sarvasti:

It was the capital of Kosala kingdom and is located on the banks of Rapti River. This is one of the most sacred Buddhist places which are associated with Gautam Buddha. Two legends, both are different. According to Hindu epic Mahabharat the place was founded by king Shravasta while Buddhist believes the city was names after the sage Sacattthi, who lived here.

Some Other Places Which Are Lucknow Tourist Attractions Are –

1. Husainabad Clock Tower

2. Dudhwa National Park

3. The Lucknow Zoo

Lucknow Weather

Best Time to Visit Lucknow

As the city is located on the plains, Lucknow weather remains moderate and according to the seasons. Summers are hot when temperature raises up-to 40 degree Celsius. The best time to visit Lucknow is between the months from September to March. During these months the atmosphere is calm, pleasing and cold.

How to Reach Lucknow

Being of the Major Tourist Destinations, Lucknow Can Be Reached Through –

By Airways:

The airport of the Lucknow city is located 14 km from the main city which connects the city to various major destinations of India. You can take flight from to Allahbad, Patna, Jabalpur, New Delhi, Bhopal and so one.

By Roadways:

Well – planned roads will take you in and out of the city you may get bus services from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurgaon and Gorakhpur.

By Railways:

You can also opt for the option of Train. Lucknow Railways junction is one of the major one in North India and hence all major trains comes to this city. You can catch direct trains to Lucknow from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai which are also the four metro cities of India.